1896

The thirteen story Stephen Girard Building at Girard and 12th Streets was begun in 1896 as offices for the Board of the Stephen Girard Estates Trust. The new building was designed by James H. Windrim, a Girard College graduate. Windrim combined classical motifs, like the Ionic portico and entablature facing 12th Street and the eight caryatids flanking the entrance, with the latest "skyscraper" construction. This photograph shows the classical detailing on cornices and window trim. The elaborate treatment of the topmost story, with engaged Ionic columns flanking the windows, contrasts with the plainer, less easily seen street level façade on the sides and rear of the buliding.